Wondering how do you make fried rice? It’s easy and affordable!

Whether you’re eating at the local Chinese restaurant, or grabbing a snack at the Asian food stand in the mall food court, you’re bound to see fried rice on the menu. Unfortunately buying ready made fried rice can mean lots of sodium, a good dose of MSG and often an expensive tab.

So how do you make fried rice at home? It’s simple, economical and tastes much better than the food court version! Here’s the basic recipe, and some simple additions you can make to create your very own version of fried rice.

Why You Want to Start with Leftovers

Ideally, you should start with rice you’ve cooked and cooled for a day or two. This makes your rice a bit drier, so it can absorb the soy sauce and other flavors better.

Fried rice is also a great way to use up that little bit of leftover chicken, those last few carrots or some extra peas.Those small amounts of foods add a big dose of taste to your rice.

Basic Fried Rice

1 – 2 green onions, chopped fine
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon ginger
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, pressed or chopped fine
4 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
4 cups cold cooked rice (any kind, as long as there is no sauce or butter on it)
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
1 – 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Tools:

Wok (or wok with wok ring if you have an electric stove)
Whisk

Directions:

• Beat the eggs with the ginger
• Heat wok over high heat (use a wok ring if you are using an electric range)
• Add one tablespoon oil to the wok
• Add the eggs, and quickly scramble, then remove to a bowl
• Wipe out wok and add more oil
• Add the garlic and cook for 10 seconds
• Add the rice, pepper, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce
• Use a wooden spoon to break up the rice
• Cook for a few minutes, stirring lightly, until hot
• Add soy sauce and stir
• Add green onions and cooked egg and stir
• Serve hot

~Variations on a Theme

The basic answer to the question “how do you make fried rice” is only the beginning. Now comes the fun part, where you get to add your own personal touches. 

Vegetables

Finely chopped vegetables can be added to the fried rice recipe. Cook them after the eggs and before you heat the rice, then remove them from the wok. Keep them warm in a covered bowl, and add back in with the green onions and egg.

Try:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Water chestnuts
• Zucchini
• Tomato
• Mushrooms
• Cabbage
• Bok Choy
• Parsnips

Protein

You can add flavor and nutrition to your fried rice by adding small pieces of protein. Follow the cooking directions for the extra vegetables.

Try:

• Chicken
• Tofu
• Pork
• Beef
• Shrimp
• Lobster
• Seitan
• Turkey

Flavorings

Change the taste of your fried rice with these sauces and seasonings. Make sure you don’t add too much liquid or your rice will come out soggy.

Try:

• Hot sauce
• Five-spice mix
• Saki
• Teriyaki
• Miso
• Curry powder
• Lemon grass
• Fresh ginger
• Sesame oil
• Chili paste